Celebrating Women in Health Care and the Women Who Inspire Them

Women play a vital role in health care. With 22 million workers in the health care industry, women hold 76% of all health care jobs according to the most recent American Community Survey of the U.S. Census Bureau in 2019. From surgeons to pharmacists, nurses to health information technology—women are a driving force behind patient care and experience.

And the driving force behind these passionate health care workers? The women who inspired them. We spoke with women across Emory Healthcare about the importance of Women’s History Month, why they chose to work in health care and the women who inspire them. 

Michelle, RT(R)(M)

Breast Imaging Manager, Radiology Operations
Emory Decatur Hospital & Emory Hillandale Hospital

"Women’s History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made and to uplift the voices of women who continue to inspire change," says Michelle. Her own career is a testament to the power of inspiration thanks to her relationship with her grandmother. "My grandmother, Castella, is my greatest inspiration. She was incredibly strong and intelligent, and her resilience during her battle with breast cancer shaped my career path in mammography," she says. "Her strength and positive attitude, even in the most difficult times, taught me to remain strong and optimistic in both my personal and professional life."

This experience motivated Michelle to pursue a career in health care. "Her journey made me passionate about helping other women through early detection and quality care." One of the most memorable moments in her career was when a patient returned after completing breast cancer treatment and was declared cancer-free. Michelle recalls, "She remembered me from her initial screening and shared how my kindness and care made a difference in her journey. Moments like that remind me why I chose this field."

Nanette Wenger, MD

Professor Emerita, Emory University School of Medicine
Consultant, Emory Healthcare Heart & Vascular

Nanette Wenger, MD was one of the first women to graduate from Harvard Medical School nearly 70 years ago. As she began her clinical practice and research, often the only woman in the room, she recalls being referred to as “the lady doctor.” She’s glad those times have changed, saying, “The wonderful thing is we now have a sizable number of women in all specialties of medicine. Women doing stunning things in education, community outreach, research—name the area, there are women involved.” She serves as a consultant to Emory Healthcare’s Heart & Vascular Care, as well as a mentor fostering the growth of women in cardiology. “My first bit of advice for younger trainees is to value yourself because you’ve gotten to where you are because you are skilled, you have learned and you have something to contribute.”

Nanette Wenger, MD was one of the first women to graduate from Harvard Medical School nearly 70 years ago. As she began her clinical practice and research, often the only woman in the room, she recalls being referred to as “the lady doctor.” She’s glad those times have changed, saying, “The wonderful thing is we now have a sizable number of women in all specialties of medicine. Women doing stunning things in education, community outreach, research—name the area, there are women involved.” She serves as a consultant to Emory Healthcare’s Heart & Vascular Care, as well as a mentor fostering the growth of women in cardiology. “My first bit of advice for younger trainees is to value yourself because you’ve gotten to where you are because you are skilled, you have learned and you have something to contribute.”

She entered the field of cardiology in a time when heart disease in women was largely overlooked. Her dedication to women’s health played a role in shifting the understanding that heart disease is the leading threat to women’s health in the United States, responsible for about one in every five female deaths. “If we are going to do good, quality medical care and research, we have to encompass the entire population,” she says. “We’re beginning to do that, and we have a long way to go.” Learn more about Dr. Wenger in our Heart to Heart series.

Winifred, DNP, RN, NEA-BC

Women’s Health Services Specialty Director
Emory University Hospital Midtown

Winifred’s career has been shaped by influential women—she says, “We are the fabric of this nation.” Her journey in health care began with inspiration from actress Diahann Carroll's role in "Julia," the 1968-1971 television series. "I loved her nurturing, compassionate presence as a Black working mother who was a nurse," she says.

Winifred met another inspiring figure in the early days of her nursing program. "My first nurse leader said these powerful words to me that have resonated throughout my career: ‘You want to make sure when the bus stops, that you are on the bus,’” she recalls. Winifred interpreted this advice as "when the opportunity comes, step up for the ride"—which has guided her professional path. She finds joy in fostering the growth of her team and mentoring others. ""I have mentored several health care workers in various roles who have excelled in their personal and professional careers. I am glad to know that I was influential in their journey."

Melissa, MHA, CRA, RT(R)

Nuclear Medicine Operations Manager
Emory University Hospital

“Health care combines my love for problem-solving, innovation and making a tangible impact on people’s lives," says Melissa. She was drawn to nuclear medicine, which "allows us to see beyond what traditional imaging can reveal, capturing the body’s function at a molecular level." One of her career highlights includes spearheading the operations of the imaging department at Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown, which opened in 2023—from purchasing equipment to building workflows to ensuring collaboration. Melissa says, "As someone who has lost several family members to cancer, knowing that our efforts are directly contributing to advanced diagnostics and treatment for cancer patients is something I take immense pride in."

Melissa finds inspiration in lawyer and associate justice of the Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg, whose "relentless fight for equality and justice showed me the power of persistence and standing up for what’s right, even when the odds are stacked against you. She proved real change happens when you challenge the status quo and lift others up along the way." 

Rosine, MSN, RN

Specialty Director, Workforce Optimization
Emory Healthcare

Rosine found her path to health care through a deep-seated desire to help others. This initial calling led her to nursing. "As a nurse, I found immense fulfillment in day-to-day interactions with patients," she says. Her transition to a leadership role was driven by a desire to extend her influence, creating a supportive environment for her team and ensuring high-quality patient care. A standout moment in her career was mentoring a new team member as she grew her confidence and skill, taking on more responsibilities and excelling in her role. “Knowing that I played a part in her development and seeing her advance in her career was a reminder of why I love what I do.”

Rosine’s primary inspiration is her mother. "As a single mother, she faced countless challenges, yet she never wavered in her dedication to raising me and ensuring I had the best opportunities in life. Her fierce determination and unwavering work ethic were the pillars that supported our family.” Rosine says she continues to honor her mother’s memory. “Her legacy is one of strength, love, and unwavering dedication. I strive to make her proud in everything I do.”

Marley, PharmD, BCOP

Oncology Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

Marley traces her passion for healthcare back to a childhood experience with strep throat. "I distinctly remember the pharmacist who prepared a bubble gum-flavored medicine that alleviated my pain," she says. When her high school internship at the local pharmacy and experience on a medical mission trip combined with her interest in chemistry, she knew she should pursue a career in pharmacy. Her career is influenced by her 9th grade English teacher Eleanor . “She envisioned a future for me that seemed beyond reach and encouraged me to believe in the impossible,” Marley says.

Now, she provides care to patients experiencing cancer. "My favorite part of my job goes beyond providing clinical knowledge as a pharmacist," she explains. "What I cherish most is the opportunity to be there for my patients during some of the most challenging moments of their lives."

Meet more women leaders in health care.